Multiple pivot rollover protection structure

Abstract

A multiple pivot rollover protection structure includes a pair of primary pivot assemblies and a pair of shipping pivot assemblies. The primary pivot assemblies provide a plurality of different operating positions for the upper ROPS legs, and a generally vertical shipping configuration for the upper ROPS legs extending downwardly alongside and not behind a rear mounted engine. The shipping pivot assemblies provide a generally vertical operating position for each of the intermediate ROPS legs and a generally horizontal shipping configuration for each of the intermediate ROPS legs extending rearwardly alongside and not behind the rear mounted engine. A spring loaded plunger is engageable between each upper ROPS leg and intermediate ROPS leg. A latch may be provided between each of the upper ROPS legs and the intermediate ROPS legs to hold the spring loaded plunger in a disengaged position.

We claim: 
     
       1. A multiple pivot rollover protection structure, comprising:
 a pair of intermediate ROPS legs that extend horizontally rearwardly from a pair of lower ROPS legs attached to a vehicle frame in a shipping configuration; and 
 a pair of upper ROPS legs that extend vertically downwardly from the pair of intermediate ROPS legs in the shipping configuration; 
 wherein the pair of intermediate ROPS legs and the pair of upper ROPS legs do not extend behind a rear mounted engine and an engine guard in the shipping configuration. 
 
     
     
       2. The multiple pivot rollover protection structure of  claim 1  wherein the pair of intermediate ROPS legs and the pair of upper ROPS legs may be pivoted up from the shipping configuration and secured at a plurality of different operating positions. 
     
     
       3. A multiple pivot rollover protection structure, comprising:
 a pair of intermediate ROPS legs that extend horizontally rearwardly from a pair of lower ROPS legs attached to a vehicle frame in a shipping configuration; and 
 a pair of upper ROPS legs that extend vertically downwardly from the pair of intermediate ROPS legs in the shipping configuration; 
 a spring loaded plunger to secure one of the upper ROPS legs at an operating position. 
 
     
     
       4. The multiple pivot rollover protection structure of  claim 3  further comprising an operator seat and a pair of steering controls that are pivoted forwardly in the shipping configuration. 
     
     
       5. A multiple pivot rollover protection structure, comprising:
 a pair of primary pivot assemblies connecting between a pair of intermediate ROPS legs and a pair of upper ROPS legs; each primary pivot assembly providing a plurality of different operating positions for each of the upper ROPS legs, and providing a generally vertical shipping configuration for each of the upper ROPS legs behind the intermediate ROPS legs and extending downwardly alongside and not behind a rear mounted engine; and 
 a pair of shipping pivot assemblies connecting between a pair of lower ROPS legs and the pair of intermediate ROPS legs, each shipping pivot assembly providing a generally vertical operating position for each of the intermediate ROPS legs and a generally horizontal shipping configuration for each of the intermediate ROPS legs behind the lower ROPS legs and extending rearwardly alongside and not behind the rear mounted engine. 
 
     
     
       6. The multiple pivot rollover protection structure of  claim 5  further comprising a spring biased plunger in each of the primary pivot assemblies for engaging and securing the upper ROPS legs in each of the plurality of different operating positions. 
     
     
       7. The multiple pivot rollover protection structure of  claim 6  further comprising an indicator that provides a visible indication if the spring biased plunger is not engaged at one of the plurality of different operating positions. 
     
     
       8. The multiple pivot rollover protection structure of  claim 6  wherein each of the primary pivot assemblies includes a latch pivotably mounted to each of the intermediate ROPS legs for holding the plunger out of engagement. 
     
     
       9. A multiple pivot rollover protection structure, comprising:
 a pair of lower ROPS legs mounted to a pair of frame members on each side of an operator station in front of a rear mounted engine; 
 a pair of intermediate ROPS legs pivotably mounted to the pair of lower ROPS legs; 
 a pair of upper ROPS legs pivotably mounted to the pair of intermediate ROPS legs; 
 the pair of intermediate ROPS legs and the pair of upper ROPS legs pivotable rearwardly and downwardly to a shipping configuration above and alongside but not behind the rear mounted engine. 
 
     
     
       10. The multiple pivot rollover protection structure of  claim 9  further comprising a seat and a pair of steering controls pivotable forwardly to the shipping configuration. 
     
     
       11. The multiple pivot rollover protection structure of  claim 9  further comprising a spring loaded plunger engageable between each upper ROPS leg and intermediate ROPS leg. 
     
     
       12. The multiple pivot rollover protection structure of  claim 9  further comprising a latch between each of the upper ROPS legs and the intermediate ROPS legs that holds the spring loaded plunger in a disengaged position.